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“Jesus Christ, do you knohat could’ve happened to you? There are so h to taste the metallic flavor of blood

“I know, that’s what Es said” She burst into tears “I hurt her so bad I just… I was so , and then you left” She hiccupped

Her words were a fla “What did you do?”

“I told her she wasn’t my mother”

He closed his eyes and went onto one knee in front of her “But I want her to be She loves you like one You’re lashing out at the wrong person, baby Without her, we’d be screwed, plain and sie and constantly helping us through this” He shook his head There was no choosing between her or Estelle Noll They were both his

She sobbed harder, and he knew her guilt would be worse than any punishment he could think you

“Do you like Es?”

“Yes,” she wailed

“Then why?”

“I don’t know”

He sighed “That’s not a good enough answer, little girl You’re too old foryou properly But first you are going to apologize to Estelle andus an official family, which means she will be your rounded for the nextto do soood you’ve had it I think seeing the other side of things will bring clarity”

“Yes, sir”

“I’ht now, but I don’t love you any less, you understand?” he asked, careful to drive the point hoht behavior He wouldn’t have her feeling that way here Kids messed up and you steered them back to where they should be It’s hoent

“Yes, sir”

“Can I get a hug?”